A border patrol agent is a law enforcement officer employed by United States Customs and Border Protection, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Border patrol agents protect U.S. borders against the smuggling of drugs and illegal weapons, as well as illegal entry by non-citizens. This job requires men and women who are physically fit, proficient with firearms and willing to learn Spanish. To become a border patrol agent in Texas, you must apply for a job, complete all of the pre-employment exams and interviews and accept an offer of employment regardless of location. Although there are no guarantees you will be placed in a Texas assignment, new employees are typically assigned to positions in Texas, California, Arizona or New Mexico, with the possibility of transfer to Texas at a later time.

1. Complete the online application for a border patrol agent position at USAJobs.com. Enter all of the information requested in the application. If your application meets the minimum requirements for the position, you will be scheduled for the border patrol entrance examination.

2. Pass the three-part border patrol entrance examination. The first part tests skills in logical reasoning. The second part tests knowledge of the Spanish language or assesses the ability to successfully learn Spanish. The third part analyzes professional achievements and experience.

3. Submit all the required documents such a school transcripts, employment forms and agreements within two weeks of receiving your notice of results of the exam. You will receive a selection packet if you are chosen to interview for the position.

4. Complete all of the tasks listed in the selection packet, including the oral interview, medical exam, drug test, polygraph exam and physical fitness tests. This part of the employment process takes 12 to 18 months. State your preference to work in Texas on your application and during the interview process.

5. Accept an offer of employment. After successful completion of all of the pre-employment requirements, your name will be placed on a list for future employment. When you are selected to fill a vacancy, you will receive an offer of employment. Although U.S. Customs and Border Patrol states that there are no guarantees you will be placed in a Texas assignment, new employees can expect to be assigned to positions in Texas, California, Arizona or New Mexico. If you are not assigned to a position in Texas, you may transfer to Texas if a position is available later.

About the Author

Chris Winston has been writing since 2005. She is an attorney in Florida and has written on numerous legal topics during her career, with her work appearing on various websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a law degree.